Background: A link between abnormalities in circadian rhythms and the development of eating disorders was extensively
hypothesized, mainly in consideration of the influence of the circadian clock on eating behavior. The present review is aimed at
summarizing the evidence about biological rhythms disruptions in eating disorders, possibly clarifying their impact on the
psychopathological profile of such patients.
Methods: Electronic database MEDLINE/PubMed/Index Medicus was systematically searched for original articles examining
the prevalence of circadian rhythms disruptions in eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder).
Results: Studies included in the review confirmed the hypothesis of a high prevalence of circadian disruptions in eating
disorders. The analyzed research mainly focused on sleep-wake cycle, rest-activity abnormalities and hormonal secretion, whilst
literature about other circadian rhythms was scanty. Altered biological rhythms presented higher association with specific
psychopathological features, but such relationship was assessed in few studies.
Conclusions: Circadian rhythms disruptions were confirmed to be relevant aspects in the context of eating disorders. Further
research is needed in order to clarify the role of biological rhythms in such illnesses, in the attempt to address adjunctive treatment
strategies with the possible focus of circadian abnormalities
